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just to add another thing that tripped me up - any medical expenses paid by workman's comp don't count toward the offset, only the actual cash benefits you receive. SSA only cares about the income replacement part
That's helpful! Workers comp is paying for all my medical stuff separately from the monthly payment.
I worked for SSA for 23 years before retiring. The workers' compensation offset is one of the most misunderstood aspects of SSDI. To be clear: 1. You never have to pay back SSDI you've already received because of workers' comp (unless there was an actual overpayment for some other reason). 2. The offset is applied prospectively - meaning they adjust future payments, not demand repayment. 3. Your state matters - some states have what's called "reverse offset" laws where the workers' comp gets reduced instead of your SSDI. 4. The calculations can be complex, and I've seen many cases where SSA calculated incorrectly and had to be corrected. I recommend getting a benefit verification letter that shows the offset calculation, then verify it matches your actual situation. If something seems wrong, request an explanation or reconsideration.
Thank you so much for this information! I live in Illinois - do you know if that's a reverse offset state or regular offset state?
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One more thing I think is important to mention: If your ex has remarried but you haven't, you can still claim on their record. Their current marriage has no impact on your eligibility. Also, you can claim even if your ex hasn't filed for their own benefits yet, but they must be eligible for benefits (at least 62) and you must have been divorced for at least two years. Lastly, taking ex-spouse benefits doesn't create any notification or paperwork for your ex, and they'll never see any reduction in their own benefits. The SSA handles everything independently.
Thank you! He has remarried so I'm glad that doesn't affect anything. He's 64 now so that requirement is met too. I really appreciate all this information - it makes the decision much less intimidating.
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One thing nobody's mentioned: if you DO exceed the earnings limit before reaching FRA, any benefits withheld aren't permanently lost. SSA recalculates your benefit amount when you reach FRA to credit you for months when benefits were withheld. Your monthly payment will increase slightly to make up for it over time. But obviously it's better to avoid exceeding the limit if possible.
True but that recalculation takes forever and its barely anything. My dad got like $13 more per month. Not worth the hassle IMO
Thanks everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. Just to make sure I've got it straight: 1. For Jan-Aug 2025 (before my FRA month), I'm subject to the higher annual limit (~$60k) 2. From September 2025 onward, no earnings limit applies at all 3. If I somehow exceed the limit in those first 8 months, they'll withhold some benefits but eventually adjust my payment amount at FRA Since I'll probably earn around $65-70k by August, I might be slightly over the limit. I'll have to decide if I want to try to stay under it or just accept a small reduction for a month or two. Really appreciate all the insights!
That's exactly right. And since you'll only be slightly over the limit, any withholding would be minimal. For example, if you earn $68,000 by August and the limit is $60,000, you'd be $8,000 over. At the $1 for every $3 rule in your FRA year, they'd withhold about $2,667 in benefits. Depending on your benefit amount, that might mean 1-2 months of reduced payments, but then normal payments would resume in September regardless of earnings after that.
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My husband had almost the exact same experience last year. His actual benefit was about $300 higher than his statement estimate but $150 lower than what the SSA rep told us when we applied. We were confused too but just accepted it since it was better than the original estimate. I think they just use different calculation methods at different times or something.
I just remembered something else! When I was trying to figure out why my benefit was so different from the estimate, I learned that the statement estimates don't include the delayed retirement credits if you file after your FRA. Did you wait beyond your full retirement age? That could explain part of the increase over your statement estimate.
I did file exactly at my FRA, so I don't think delayed credits would apply in my case. But that's good info for others who might be reading this thread!
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One thing to keep in mind is that the earnings rule changes in the year you reach Full Retirement Age. In the year you reach FRA, the earnings limit increases significantly (around $59,520 for 2025) AND they only deduct $1 for every $3 you earn over the limit (instead of $1 for every $2). Plus, they only count earnings BEFORE the month you reach FRA. So when you get closer to your FRA, the penalty becomes much less severe. And once you hit FRA, there's no earnings limit at all - you can earn any amount without affecting your benefits.
Great point about the FRA year having different rules. Also worth mentioning that only wages and self-employment income count toward the earnings test. Investment income, pension payments, annuities, and capital gains don't count against you.
Thank you all for this helpful information! It sounds like I should probably take the job if offered, even though it means temporarily losing my widow benefits. The long-term financial benefits seem to outweigh the short-term loss of survivor benefits. One last question - if I take the job and have my benefits withheld, do I need to officially withdraw my application for survivor benefits? Or does SSA automatically adjust things based on my reported earnings?
You don't need to withdraw your application. Once approved, you'll remain entitled to survivor benefits even if they're temporarily withheld. SSA will adjust based on your reported earnings (which your employer reports). I recommend setting up a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. You can report expected earnings changes there, which helps avoid overpayments that you'd have to pay back later. Much better to have benefits properly withheld upfront than to receive benefits you're not entitled to and face recovery later.
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just wondering do u get any extra money if ur married over 10 years? i heard something about that but not sure if its true.
You're thinking of divorce benefits. If you were married for at least 10 years and then divorced, you might be eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse's record. But that's different from survivor benefits after a spouse passes away. For survivor benefits, you generally need to have been married for at least 9 months at the time of death (with some exceptions).
I found out the HARD WAY that they DON'T automatically switch you to the higher benefit!!! You HAVE TO APPLY for survivor benefits! My friend assumed they would just switch her automatically after her husband died and she missed out on 4 MONTHS of the higher payments because she didn't know she needed to apply!!!
Oh my goodness, that's awful! Thank you for the warning. I'll make a note of that right now.
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Anyone know if they're going to give back money to those of us who already got hit by WEP for years? Or is it just going forward? Typical government to change the rules after some of us already got screwed.
From what I've read, there are NO retroactive payments for past WEP/GPO reductions. The changes only apply going forward from the effective date. I agree it's unfair to those who've been receiving reduced benefits for years! There was a proposal to include some retroactive payments but it got cut from the final bill to reduce the cost. Classic move...
just wonderin has anyone actually gotten their benefits recalculated yet after this wep repeel? my husband called ssa and they said they dont have guidanse yet on how to implement the changes :/
This is common when new legislation passes. The SSA typically needs several months to update their systems, train their staff, and issue internal guidelines on implementing changes. For something as significant as the WEP/GPO repeal, it wouldn't be surprising if the full implementation takes 6-12 months. They'll likely process the changes automatically once their systems are updated, but it never hurts to follow up periodically.
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I turned FRA in april but i had so many problems with the website i just went to the local office instead. less headache that way for me anyway
HA! Our local office is STILL appointment only and they're booking 3+ MONTHS out! Online is frustrating but at least it doesn't take half a day sitting in those awful plastic chairs with 50 other people!
Thank you all for the helpful information! I've gone ahead and applied online, requesting benefits to start in the month I reach FRA. I'm relieved to know I'll get the full month's benefit even though my birthday is on the 23rd. This forum has been more helpful than hours of trying to get through to SSA!
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To address your question about starting the application process - you should first contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the US Embassy in London. They handle all Social Security matters for UK residents. Email them at FBU.London@ssa.gov to get the process started. They'll likely send you the proper forms and instructions. Your husband will need: 1. His Social Security card 2. Birth certificate 3. Marriage certificate 4. Information about his UK pension 5. Your Social Security number and claim information The application can't be completed fully online for international cases, but they can certainly get you started with the right paperwork.
Thanks for the detailed information! I'll email the FBU to get started. We have all those documents ready, so hopefully the process won't be too difficult.
my wife just reminded me that they send payments different for people overseas!!! u cant get direct deposit to a UK bank!! they either do direct deposit to a US bank account (do u still have one?) or they mail actual CHECKS to ur address in london which is crazy slow!
This is outdated information. The SSA now offers International Direct Deposit to UK bank accounts. They've expanded this service to most countries. No need to maintain a US bank account or deal with paper checks anymore.
oh really?? that must be new!! we still have to use my sisters US address and bank for my wifes benefits!! good to know thx
Caleb Stark
Here's another tip: When you submit your application online, you'll get a confirmation number. Write this down immediately! I didn't, and when I needed to follow up on my application status, they kept asking for it. Also, create a my Social Security account online if you haven't already - you can track your application status there and it's much easier than calling.
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Harper Thompson
•I do have a my Social Security account, but that's a great reminder about the confirmation number. I'll definitely make sure to save it somewhere safe. Thanks!
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Hunter Edmunds
Just to clarify something important: Even though you'll continue working, you should still apply for Medicare at 65 (if you haven't already), regardless of when you plan to start your Social Security benefits. Many people don't realize these are separate decisions. Missing your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period can result in permanent premium penalties, even if you have employer coverage.
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Harper Thompson
•Thanks for bringing this up! I did enroll in Medicare when I turned 65 last year, but I'm keeping my employer's health insurance as my primary coverage since I'm still working full-time at a large company. Good reminder for others reading this thread though!
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